governor romney and president obama shared the stage in new york city. the light hearted night included plenty of self-deprecation. >> people seem to be very curious as to how we prepare for the debates. let me tell you what i do, first refrain from alcohol for 65 years before the debate. second, find the biggest available straw man and then just mercily attack it. big bird didn't even see it coming. >> of course, the economy is on everybody's minds. the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since i took office. i don't have a joke here. i just thought it would be useful to remind everybody. that the unemployment rate is at the lowest it's been since i took office. >> unlike tuesday night's slug fest the jabs last night were playful. >> after my to foreign trip in 2008, i was attacked as a celebrity because i was so popular with our allies overseas. and i have to say i'm impressed with how well governor romney has avoided that problem. >> there have been some awkward moments like when the president pulled pope benedict aside to share some advice on ho